Who Should Sit At The Head Table With The Bridesmaids?

Planning a wedding seating chart is challenging. The bride and groom must first decide where they will sit. If they opt for a sweetheart table, they can place a table on both sides for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, with or without their dates. A traditional head table would have the bridal party seated only on one side, facing guests. While this setup originally excluded dates, many couples now include them. A king's table is a popular alternative: a long rectangular table where the bridal party and their dates sit around, facing each other.

The pros and cons of a sweetheart table

The head table at a wedding refers to a larger table that includes the bride and groom, their wedding party, and/or immediate family members. The sweetheart table, on the other hand, is a smaller, more intimate table that seats only the newlyweds.

Pros

• Private time with your new spouse: The wedding day will fly by, and a sweetheart table gives you a chance to spend some rare alone time with your partner.
• Bridal party can sit with their dates: Bridesmaids and groomsmen at the head table are usually separated from their plus ones. A sweetheart table allows everyone to sit with their guests, which is especially kind to plus ones who may not know anyone else.
• A chance for extra decorating: The small size of a sweetheart table allows your floral or event designer to get creative. You can also have a loveseat or individual thrones to sit on.
• Guests may feel less intimidated: With just the two of you sitting at a sweetheart table, guests might feel more comfortable approaching you.
• A chance to breathe and eat: A sweetheart table provides a rare chance for you to enjoy an intimate moment and a meal together.

Cons

• It might appear snobbish: Sitting at your own private table might make it feel like you're 'holding court', especially if you don't interact with guests after the meal.
• It might feel isolated: If you want to spend time with friends and family, you might be better off with a traditional head table.
• All eyes will be on you: If the idea of saying your vows or doing your first dance in front of a crowd made you anxious, a sweetheart table may not be for you.
• Some feelings may be hurt: If your parents are used to the tradition of the head table being reserved for family, they may be offended by a sweetheart table.

Ultimately, there is no wrong answer for which option you choose. However, it is always a good idea to think these things through and decide what is best for you and your partner.

The pros and cons of a head table

Deciding on a seating arrangement for your wedding can be a challenging task. Here are some pros and cons of having a head table to help you decide if it is the right choice for your big day:

Pros:

• Surrounded by love: The head table is a chance to spend extra time with your bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if they don't live near you anymore. Sitting with your closest friends is a great way to soak up all the love and excitement from your guests on your special day.
• Honour the bridal party: In addition to standing with you during the ceremony, a head table showcases the prominent role of your bridal party. It is a way to honour and show appreciation to those who have agreed to be by your side on your big day.
• Fewer tables needed: Opting for a large head table means you will need fewer guest tables in the reception space, which can save costs that can be allocated to other parts of the wedding.

Cons:

• Difficult seating dynamics: Bridesmaids and groomsmen may have significant others or dates who don't know anyone else at the wedding. They might feel awkward sitting alone or separated from their partners. Including dates at the head table can be a solution, but this may not be feasible with a large bridal party.
• Lack of alone time: With a head table, you and your spouse will have less opportunity to spend private moments together. A sweetheart table, on the other hand, provides a more intimate setting for the newlyweds to enjoy some rare alone time during the busy wedding day.
• Inflexible layout: Depending on the venue size, a large head table may limit your options for the rest of the seating layout. It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different layouts with your wedding planner.

Ultimately, the decision to have a head table or not is a personal choice, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Weighing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and ensures your bridal party and guests feel comfortable and celebrated.

The pros and cons of a king's table

A king's table is a great way to include your bridal party and their dates in your wedding seating plan. It is a long rectangular table where the bride, groom, bridal party, and their dates all sit around the table facing one another. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if a king's table is right for your wedding:

Pros:

• It encourages conversation among the bridal party and creates a fun atmosphere for the bride and groom to socialize with those closest to them during the meal.
• It allows your bridal party to keep their dates close by and saves plus-ones from feeling awkward at a table with people they barely know.
• It can be a good option if you want to include parents or close family members in your table as well.

Cons:

• One of the main drawbacks of a king's table is its sheer size. It will take multiple tables to create one very large table, and there may not be enough space in your venue to accommodate this setup.
• It might be harder for your photographer to get good shots of just the newlyweds, as others may be blocking their path.
• It may be difficult for the newlyweds to have intimate conversations with each other during the meal, as they will be surrounded by many people.

The pros and cons of a bridal party table

The bridal party table is a wedding reception tradition that can be a great way to honour your closest friends and family. However, as with many wedding traditions, it has evolved over time, and modern couples often adapt it to suit their preferences and circumstances. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to have a bridal party table:

Pros:

• Honouring your bridal party: A head table allows you to give your bridal party a seat of honour, showing their importance to you and giving them front-row seats to any toasts or dances.
• Spending time with your bridal party: The bridal party table lets you spend more time with your bridal party during the reception. This can be a fun and meaningful way to celebrate with your closest friends and family.
• Creating a unified look: A bridal party table creates a unified look for your reception, with the bridal party dressed in their wedding attire. This can add to the aesthetics of your wedding photos.

Cons:

• Space constraints: If you have a large bridal party or many of them have plus-ones, the head table can become crowded. This may make it uncomfortable for your bridal party and their dates.
• Excluding plus-ones: Traditionally, plus-ones were excluded from the head table. However, this can make them feel uncomfortable, especially if they don't know anyone else at the wedding.
• Splitting up couples: If you choose to exclude plus-ones from the head table, you will be splitting up couples, which some may consider rude. Their partners may also feel left out and lonely.
• Less interaction with other guests: Seating your bridal party together may limit their interaction with other guests. They may prefer to sit with their friends or family members instead.
• Lack of privacy: Some couples prefer a sweetheart table as it offers more privacy and intimacy during the reception. With a bridal party table, you may feel more on display.

The pros and cons of a mixed table

Deciding on a seating arrangement for your wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to figuring out where your bridal party and their plus-ones should sit. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are some pros and cons of a mixed head table to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of a Mixed Head Table:

• Honouring Your Bridal Party: A head table allows you to honour your bridal party by giving them a seat of honour, showing their importance to you and your partner.
• Encouraging Conversation: A mixed head table, also known as a king's table, encourages conversation among the bridal party and creates a fun and social atmosphere for the newlyweds.
• Accommodating Larger Groups: If you have a large bridal party, a mixed head table can be a great solution as it allows you to fit more people at one table.
• Including Significant Others: A mixed head table ensures that the bridal party can enjoy their dinner with their significant others, who may not know many other guests.

Cons of a Mixed Head Table:

• Space Constraints: If your bridal party and their plus-ones do not fit comfortably at the head table, it may look cramped and awkward.
• Unfamiliar Guests: If you don't know the plus-ones well, you may feel uncomfortable having them at the head table, especially if it disrupts the balance of men and women.
• Tradition: Traditionally, the head table was meant to include only the bridal party and not their dates. Some people may still prefer to follow this tradition.
• Adult Supervision: Some argue that adults should be able to survive dinner without their significant others and can make conversation with other guests.

Ultimately, the decision is yours and there is no right or wrong answer. Consider your space constraints, the dynamics of your bridal party and their plus-ones, and what will make you and your partner feel most comfortable on your special day.

Frequently asked questions